Inboard boat propulsion and steering assembly



INBOARD BOAT PROPULSION AND STEERING ASSEMBLY Filed Jan. 5, 1959 Oct. 10, 1-961 R. M. STARNS, JR

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Q M T 1 T m wm Oct. 10, 1961 s A s, JR 3,003,458

INBOARD BOAT PROPULSION AND STEERING ASSEMBLY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 5, 1959 Richard M. Sfarns, Jr.

BY glam INVENTOR. Maw.

WW EM United States Patent 3,003,458 INBOARD BOAT PROPULSION AND STEERING ASSEMBLY Richard M. Starns, In, 1 .0. Box 10943, Berkeley, Calif.

Filed Jan. 5, 1959, Ser. No. 785,052

Claims. (Cl. 115-34) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in boat construction, and more specifi cally to a propulsion and steering assembly for use in conjunction with an inboard motor boat.

In the construction of a boat of the inboard motor type, one of the main problems is the obtaining of the proper alignment of the shaft log, the shaft bearing carried by the strut and the rudder. Normally the shaft log is a separate and independent component from the strut and shaft bearing and the rudder post is still another component. While it is desirable that the rudder be aligned with the propeller shaft, it is absolutely necessary that the propeller shaft bearing and the propeller shaft log be aligned. Therefore, when these components are installed in a boat hull, more than the mere problem of mounting the components is involved.

After the components have been placed, extreme care must be given to assure alignment of them. Furthermore, when repairs are being made on the boat, it is absolutely necessary that the propeller strut and its associated bearing again be returned to alignment with the shaft log.

It is .therefore the primary object of this invention to provide an assembly for use in conjunction with a boat of :the inboard motor type, the assembly including a mounting plate which has mounted thereon the shaft log, the shaft strut and bearing and the rudder post.

assure the proper alignment of the shaft log and pro' peller shaft bearing when the assembly is installed in a boat.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved assembly for use in boat construction, the assembly including an elongated mounting plate and adapted to be secured to the underside of the keel or on the bottom of the boat parallel to the keel for twin or multiple engine installation at any point where pro pulsion and steering are desired, an afterward, upwardly extending rubber shaft log secured or cast integrally with the mounting plate and fitted with a rudder,

a forwardly and upwardly extending shaft log secured to or cast integrally with the upper surface of the mounting plate and a depending strut secured to or cast integrally with the underside of the mounting plate, the strut having a propeller shaft bearing, which is aligned with the shaft log, and the shaft in place, all to Secure theproper alignment of the shaft log and propeller shaft bearing when the assembly is installed in the boat.

' Still another object of this invention is to provide a new labor saving device, a part or assembly that can be installed as one piece or as one assembly on the boat in which, prior to installing into the boat, the

propeller shaft and the rudder have already been inserted and are a part thereof, and when it is in place nothing remains to be done except install and align 2 a a the engine, connect it, and apply the appropriate size propeller.

A further object of this invention is that by having the assembly fastened on the underside of the boat when the boat is of wood, the raw wood where the shaft normally passes through the keel or bottom of the boat is not exposed to attack by sea organisms as is the usual construction where the separate shaft log is mounted on the inside of the boat and that bare wood cannot be reached to receive antifouling paint.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved assembly for use in the construction of boats of the inboard motor type, the assembly including an elongated mounting plate adapted to be secured to the underside of the hull of the boat in alignment with the keel or parallel thereto in case of multiple installations, the underside of the mounting plate having a reinforcing rib extending longitudinally thereof, the rib having extending downwardly therefrom as a part thereof a strut which carries a rear propeller shaft bearing, the propeller bearing being aligned with an integral.

shaft log formed on the upper forward part of the mounting plate.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the after part of a boat and shows mounted on the hull of the boat the propulsion and steering assembly which is the subject of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the propulsion and steering assembly as it appears removed from the boat hull;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 33 and shows the specific details of the rudder assembly, the rudder assembly being removed from the boat hull;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 4--4 of FIGURE 2 and shows the manner in which a propeller shaft packing gland is resiliently mounted on the shaft log;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 5-5 of FIGURE 1 and shows the details of the propulsion and steering assembly in the vicinity of: the strut and the relationship between the mounting plate of the assembly and the keel of the boat hull;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the sec-- tion line 66 of FIGURE 1 and shows the details of a reinforcing rib which is integrally formed with the mounting plate on the underside thereof; and

FIGURE 7 is an enlargedfragmentary sectional View tor type and includes a hull 12 which, among other Patented Oct. 10, 1961 3 and if desired, the bottom plate 16 may be in abutting relation.

Mounted within the hull 12 is a conventional inboard motor 18. The inboard 18 is provided at the rear end thereof with a gear box 28 to which there is attached a-propeller shaft coupling 22.

Carried by the hull 12 rear-wardly of the inboard engine 18 is the propulsion and steering assembly which is the subject of this invention, the propulsion and steering assembly being referred to in general by the reference numeral 24. The propulsion and steering assembly 24 includes an elongated mounting plate 26 which is rectangular in plan, as is best illustrated in FIGURE 2. The mounting plate 26 directly underlies the keel 14, as is illustrated in FIGURES 5, 6 and 7, and is sealed relative thereto by means of an elongated gasket 28. The mounting plate 26 is secured to the keel 14 by means of a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely disposed pairs of fasteners such as bolts 30.

Formed integral with the upper surface of the mounting plate 26 adjacent the forward end thereof is an upwardly and forwardly extending shaft log 32. The shaft log 3-2 is of a tubular construction, as is best illustrated in FIGURES 4 and and has connected to the upper forward end thereof a shaft packing gland which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 34. The shaft packing gland 34 includes a tubular member 36 which has an externally threaded forward portion 38. Threadedly engaged on the threaded portion 38 is a packing'holding nut 40 in which there is disposed packing 42. Also threadedly engaged on the threaded portion 38 of the lock nut 44 to prevent the turning of the packing receiving nut 40.

The tubular member 36 of the shaft packing gland 34 is resiliently secured to the shaft log 32 in alignment therewith by means of a flexible coupling member 46. The flexible coupling member 46 is preferably in the form of short length of hose which is secured to the forward end of the shaft log 32 by means of a hose clamp 48 and to the rear end of the tubular member 36 by means of a hose clamp 50.

It is also pointed out that the mounting plate 26 is reinforced on the upper side at the rear juncture between the shaft log 31 and the mounting plate 36 by a rib 51.

Extending upwardly from the upper face of the mounting' plate 26 adjacent the rear end thereof is an integral rudder post 52. The rudder post shaft log 52 includes an upper externally threaded portion 54. The rudder post shaft log 52 is tubular and has a bore 56 therethrough. Threadedly engaged with the threaded portion 54 is a packing receiving nut 58 in which there is disposed packing 60. Also threadedly engaged on the threaded portion 54 is a lock nut 62 which is engaged with the packing receiving nut 58 to prevent the turning of the packing receiving nut 58.

Extending through the rudder post 52 and projecting both above and below the rudder post shaft log 52 is a rudder shaft 64. The rudder shaft 64 has formed integral with the lower end thereof a rearwardly extending rudder 66. The rudder shaft 64 is fitted with a lock ring 63 which is clamped to the rudder shaft 6 4 with a setscrew 65 to prevent the rudder 66 from dropping out. Any suitable steering means (not shown) may be connected to the upper end of the rudder shaft 64. It is to be understood that the rudder 64 is rotatably journalled in the rudder post shaft log 52 and flow of water through the rudder post shaft log 52 is prevented by the packing 60. The engaging surfaces of the rudder shaft log post 52 and the rudder shaft 64 are lubricated by means of a grease fitting 68 carried by the rudder post shaft log 52, as is best shown in FIGURE 1.

Extending substantially between the rear end of the shaft log 32 and the forward part of the rudder post shaft 1og52 is a depending rib 70. The rib 70 is formed 4 integral with the underside of the mounting plate 26 and flmctions as a reinforcing rib.

Formed integrally with the reinforcing ribs 70 and extending downwardly therefrom as a projection thereof is a strut 72. The strut 72 has formed integrally with the lower end thereof a sleeve portion 74 on which there is mounted a water lubricating rubber or rubber-like shaft bearing 76. It is to be understood that the shaft hearing 76 is aligned with the shaft log 32.

Coupled to the gear box 20 by means of the coupling 22 is the forward end of a propeller shaft 78. The propeller shaft 78 extends through the shaft packing gland 34, through the shaft log 3-2 and out through the bottom of the mounting plate 26. The rear portion of the shaft 78' is journalled in the bearing 76, as is shown best in FIGURES 1 and 5. Carried by the rear end of the shaft 78 is a propeller 80. Inasmuch as the shaft log 32 and the bearing 76 are constantly aligned with each other, once the shaft 78 has been mounted therein, it is merely necessary to align the gear box 20 with the shaft 78. It is also pointed out that inasmuch as the alignment of the rudder post 52 with the propeller shaft 78 is assured, undue drag due to the off-center positioning of a rudder is eliminated. While this may appear to be a minor thing, the drag not only results in a lower speed of the boat and a greater fuel consumption, but also alfects the handling qualities of the boat.

After the boat hull 12 has been constructed, an elongated slot 82 is formed in the keel 14 in the position illustrated in FIGURE 1. Also, a circular opening 84 is formed in the keel 14 adjacent the stern of the boat 10. After the keel 12 has been so cut, the boat hull 12 is ready for the installation of the propulsion and steering assembly 24. The gasket 28 having been seated on the mounting plate 26, the shaft log 32 is slid through the opening 82 and then the mounting plate 26 twisted so that the rudder post 52 passes through the opening 84. After the mounting plate 26 has been aligned with the center of the boat hull 12, suitable holes are drilledthrough the keel 14 utilizing previously drilled holes 86 in the mounting plate 26 as guides. Then, the bolts 30 are installed. When the bolts 30 are installed, the mounting plate 26 is clamped against the gasket 28 which is in turn clamped against the keel 14 to provide an automatic seal between the mounting plate 26 and the keel 14 around the openings 82 and 84.

After the mounting plate 26 has been secured in place,

the packing gland 38 may be installed on the shaft 78. Then the gear box 20 may be aligned with the shaft 78 and coupled thereto. Finally, the rudder post packing gland is installed, rudder 66 being in place before assembly if desired. Inasmuch as the shaft log 32, the strut 72 and the bearing 76 and the rudder post shaft log 52 are all permanently secured to the mounting plate 26 and aligned with each other, it will be readily apparent that once the propulsion and steering assembly 24 has been properly aligned with the keel 14 of the boat hull 12, all the components thereof are properly aligned. Furthemore, from the foregoing description the manner in which the propulsion and steering assembly 24 is mounted, it will be readily apparent that the installation thereof is extremely simple and labor saving. It is also readily apparent that the mounting plate 26 prevents marine organisms from attacking the wood in openings 82 and 84. Although only a single shaft installation has been illustrated, it is to be understood that propulsion and steering assembly 24 may be mounted in pairs in parallel for twin shaft installations.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and' described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and aooaass equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. In combination with a boat having an engine fixedly mounted therein, an inboard motor boat propulsion and steering assembly comprising an elongated mounting plate including means fixedly mounting said plate on said boat independently of said engine, an upwardly and forwardly extending propeller shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the forward end of said mounting plate, an upstanding rudder'post shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the'rear end of said mounting plate, a rudder post packing gland carried by the upper end of said rudder post shaft log, and a depending propeller shaft strut formed integrally with the underside of said mounting plate forwardly of and adjacent to said rudder post shaft log, a propeller shaft packing gland disposed forward of said propeller shaft log, and a flexible connector securing said packing gland to said shaft log in sealed relation thereto.

2. In combination with a boat having an engine fixedly mounted therein, an inboard motor boat propulsion and steering assembly comprising an elongated mounting plate including means fixedly mounting said plate on said boat independently of said engine, an upwardly and forwardly extending propeller shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the forward end of said mounting plate, an upstanding rudder post shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the rear end of said mounting plate, a rudder post packing gland carried by the upper end of said rudder post shaft log, and a depending propeller shaft strut formed integrally with the underside of said mounting plate forwardly of and adjacent to said rudder post shaft log, said strut being a projecting intermediate part of a reinforcing rib for said mounting plate.

3. In combination with a boat having an engine fixedly mounted therein, an inboard motor boat propulsion and steering assembly comprising an elongated mounting plate including means fixedly mounting said plate on said boat independently of said engine, an upwardly and forwardly extending propeller shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the forward end of said mounting plate, an upstanding rudder post shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the rear end of said mounting plate, a rudder post packing gland carried by the upper end of said rudder post shaft log, and a depending propeller shaft strut formed integrally with the underside of said mounting plate forwardly of and adjacent to said rudder post shaft log, said strut being a projecting intermediate part of a reinforcing rib for said mounting plate, said reinforcing rib extending substantially from said propeller shaft log to said rudder post shaft log.

4. In combination with a boat having an engine fixedly mounted therein, an inboard motor boat propulsion and steering assembly comprising an elongated mounting plate including means fixedly mounting said plate on said boat independently of said engine, an upwardly and forwardly extending propeller shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the forward end of said mounting plate, an upstanding rudder post shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the rear end of said mounting plate, a rudder post packing gland carried by the upper end of said rudder post shaft log, and a depending propeller shaft strut formed integrally with the underside of said mounting plate forwardly of and adjacent to said rudder post shaft log, said strut having a propeller shaft bearing aligned with said propeller shaft log.

5. In combination with a boat having an engine fixedly mounted therein, an inboard motor boat propulsion and pending propeller shaft strut formed integrally with the underside of said mounting plate forwardly of and adjacent to said rudder post shaft log, a propeller shaft packing gland disposed forward of said propeller shaft log, and a flexible connector securing said packing gland to said shaft log in sealed relation, said strut having a propeller shaft bearing aligned with said propeller shaft log.

6. In combination with a boat having an engine fixedly mounted therein, an inboard motor boat propulsion and steering assembly comprising an elongated mounting plate including means fixedly mounting said plate on said boat independently of said engine, an upwardly and forwardly extending propeller shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the forward end of said mounting plate, an upstanding rudder post shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the rear end of said mounting plate, a rudder post packing gland carried by the upper end of said rudder post shaft log, and a depending propeller shaft strut formed integrally with the underside of said mounting plate forwardly of and adjacent to said rudder post shaft log, said strut being a projecting intermediate part of a reinforcing rib for said mounting plate, said strut having a propeller shaft bearing aligned with said propeller shaft log.

7. An inboard motor boat propulsion and steering assembly comprising an elongated mounting plate, an upwardly and forwardly extending propeller shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the forward end of said mounting plate, an upstanding rudder post shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the rear end of said mounting plate, and a depending propeller shaft strut formed integrally with the underside of said mounting plate forwardly of and adjacent to said rudder post shaft log, said strut being a projecting intermediate part of a reinforcing rib for said mounting plate, said reinforcing rib extending substantially from said shaft log to said rudder post shaft log, said strut having a propeller shaft bearing aligned with said propeller shaft log, and a rudder post packing gland carried by the upper end of said rudder post shaft log.

8. An inboard motor boat propulsion and steering assembly comprising an elongated mounting plate, an upwardly and forwardly extending propeller shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the forward end of said mounting plate, an upstanding rudder post shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the rear end of said mounting plate, and a depending propeller shaft strut formed integrally with the underside of said mounting plate forwardly of and adjacent to said rudder post shaft log, said strut being a projecting intermediate part of a reinforcing rib for said mounting plate, said reinforcing rib extending substantially from said shaft log to said rudder post shaft log, said strut having a propeller shaft bearing aligned with said propeller shaft log, and a rudder post packing gland carried by the upper end of said rudder post shaft log, a rudder, said rudder including a rudder shaft extending through said rudder post shaft log and said rudder post packing gland, and a retaining collar on said rudder shaft above said rudder post packing gland retaining said rudder in place.

9. An inboard motor boat propulsion and steering assembly comprising an elongated mounting plate, an upwardly and forwardly extending propeller shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the forward end of said mounting plate, an upstanding rudder post shaft log formed integrally with the upper surface of said mounting plate adjacent the rear end of said mounting plate, and a depending propeller shaft strut formed integrally with the underside of said mounting plate forwardly of and adjacent to said rudder post shaft log, said strut being a projecting intermediate part of a reinforcing rib for said mounting plate, said reinforcing rib extending substantially from said shaft log to said rudder post shaft log, said strut having a propeller shaft bearing aligned with said propeller shaft log, a propeller shaft extending through said propeller shaft log and said strut bearing, apropeller on said propeller shaft rearwardly of said strut, a rudder post packing gland carried by the upper end of said rudder post shaft log, a rudder, said rudder including a rudder shaft extending through said rudder post shaft log and' said rudder post packing gland, and a retaining collar on said rudder shaft'above said rudder post packing gland retaining said rudder in place.

10. In co'mbination'with a boat having'an engine fixedly secured therein, an inboard motorboat propulsion and steering assembly comprising an elongated mounting plate including means fixedly mounting said plate on said boat independently of said engine, said plate including an upwardly and forwardly extending propeller shaft log integral with said plate, a depending propeller shaft strut integral with said plate, said log and said strut including aligned journal means for rotatably journaling a propeller shaft.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,317,196 Husted Apr. 20, 1943 2,569,802, Daniels Oct. 2, 1951 2,595,863 Loofbourrow May 6, 1952 

